Ragtimes and Sad Songs

Description

Instrumentation: 4 trumpets (trumpet 1 also piccolo-B-trumpet), horn in F, 3 bassoon, 1 bass bassoon and tuba
Edition: parts
Difficulty: medium difficulty

Five pieces: three ragtimes (Bush Gin Rag, You’ve got to have a plan, Regamorphosen) interspersed with two rather melancholy, lyrical pieces (A man’s world, Together). Written in the style of good, tuneful, entertainment music. For experienced players – medium to difficult.

“The five movements which alternate between a fast Rag and a peaceful Sad Song are lively and musically effective. The short forward in the score describes them as being “in the style of elevated entertainment music”. It should also be added that the pieces are stylistically consistent. On closer examination there is evidence of clear structures and catchy melodies, as well as a few surprises, such as the choral-like start of the the central Rag.
“Olive’s “Ragtimes and Sad Songs” is a set of three old timey-style band tunes, arranged for 10 brass instruments, played here by students in the GSU Symphonic Wind Ensemble. The music is raucous fun.” (Concert review: Bent Frequency samples new music from sister cities Atlanta and Nuremberg)

“The five movements which alternate between a fast Rag and a peaceful Sad Song are lively and musically effective. The short forward in the score describes them as being “in the style of elevated entertainment music”. It should also be added that the pieces are stylistically consistent. On closer examination there is evidence of clear structures and catchy melodies, as well as a few surprises, such as the choral-like start of the the central Rag.

The demands on the players are high without being unrealistic, apart from the piccolo trumpet which needs a player with a good high register. Student ensembles, but also good school bands should be able to master these pieces. In their use of Ragtime the pieces will appeal to young players who will enjoy performing these fun pieces. Any brass ensemble with ambitions will enjoy the challenge.” (Das Orchester / The Orchestra June 2011)